Golf Teaching Aid

ABSTRACT

There is described a golf teaching aid provided with a central body ( 1 ), elongate target alignment means ( 2 ) projecting from the eternal body ( 1 ), a putting alignment bar ( 12 ) connected to one side of the central body, and one or more club alignment bars ( 10, 11 ) connected to an opposite side of the central body in alignment with the putting alignment bar and substantially at a right angle to the target alignment means. The target alignment means can be an elongate bar extending through the central body. In one form, a curved putting guide ( 13 ) is mounted to the putting alignment bar ( 12 ) to extend alongside that bar. In another form, at least one of the putting alignment bar ( 12 ) and the club alignment bars ( 10, 11 ) is pivotable sidewardly relative to the target alignment means ( 2 ). At least one of the club alignment bars can also have a curved swing guide ( 25, 26 ) extending from an outer end distal from the central body ( 1 ). A golfer can use the golf teaching aid to practice various golf strokes using different golf clubs.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a golf teaching aid for a golf player to practice correct golf stance and shots when using different golf clubs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many golf players incorrectly address the ball on the tee-off area, on fairways, in the rough and on the putting green. As a result, the golf ball is often mis-hit.

Golf teaching aids are known in the art but are generally cumbersome, can be distracting to the eye, and can be damaged or dislodged from their set position if struck by the golf if the golf swing is misjudged. The existing golf teaching aids are also typically rigid in nature and so do not adequately permit the player to practice restricted golf shots as may be required in a hazard area during a game of golf. In addition, conventional golf teaching aids typically do not provide for necessary adjustment of the target line so that the player can better visualize the path the golf ball will take when struck.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention there is provided a golf teaching aid, comprising:

a central body;

elongate target alignment means projecting from the central body;

a putting alignment bar connected to one side of the central body;

a curved putting guide mounted to the putting alignment bar to extend alongside the putting alignment bar; and

one or more club alignment bars connected to an opposite side of the central body in alignment with the putting alignment bar substantially at a right angle to the target alignment means, at least one of the club alignment bars having a curved swing guide extending from an outer end distal from the central body.

Typically, the central body will include elongate attachment means to which the putting alignment bar and the one or more club alignment bars are mounted.

Typically also, at least one of the putting alignment bar and club alignment bars will be respectively pivotable sidewardly.

Accordingly, in another aspect of the invention there is provided a golf teaching aid, comprising:

a central body;

target alignment means projecting from the central body;

a putting alignment bar connected to one side of the central body; and

one or more club alignment bars connected to an opposite side of the central body alignment with the putting alignment bar, at least one of the putting alignment bar and the club alignment bars being respectively pivotable sidewardly from a position substantially at a right angle relative to the target alignment means.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a golf teaching aid, comprising:

a central body;

target alignment means projecting from the central body;

a putting alignment bar connected to one side of the central body;

a curved putting guide mounted to the putting alignment bar to extend alongside the putting alignment bar; and

one or more club alignment bars connected to an opposite side of the central body in alignment with the putting alignment bar substantially at a right angle to the target alignment means.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a golf teaching aid, comprising:

a central body;

target alignment means projecting from the central body;

a putting alignment bar connected to one side of the central body; and

one or more club alignment bars connected to an opposite side of the central body in alignment with the putting alignment bar substantially at a right angle to the target alignment means, at least one of the club alignment bars having a curved swing guide extending from an outer end distal from the central body.

Typically, a teaching aid embodied by the invention will comprise long and short club alignment members, the long club member and the short club member being independently pivotable relative to one another.

Generally, the target alignment means will project from opposite further sides of the central body. Most preferably, the target alignment means will comprise an elongate member extending from each of the further sides of the central body. The target alignment means is used to visualise the path of the golf ball to its landing point (often referred to as the target line) and normally, will have guide markings spaced apart from one another in a lengthwise direction of the target alignment means.

As will be understood, a golfer can use golf teaching aids embodied by the invention to correctly position themselves when addressing the golf ball in different situations. By providing a visual guide, embodiments of golf teachings aids of the invention can teach the golfer correct positioning of the golf club face to the golf ball, correct stance (eg., alignment of the player's shoulders and feet) relative to the target line and/or golf ball, and/or correct hand swing and/or movement of the golf club for different golf strokes when playing a round of golf.

Moreover, by providing golf teaching aids in which the club alignment bar(s) are pivotable relative to central body of the golf teaching aid, the player can practise golfing stance, club positioning and club movement when playing restricted golf shots that may be needed in a hazard area such as in a sand bunker or in close proximity to trees or shrubs. Advantageously, embodiments with a pivotable putting alignment bar and/or club alignment bar(s) can also be folded into a compact size facilitating transport and storage.

Any discussion of documents, acts materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the relevant field of technology as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.

Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.

The features and advantages of the invention will become further apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top view of a golf teaching aid embodied by the invention;

FIG. 2 is a button view of the golf teaching aid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front end view of the golf teaching aid of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear end view of the golf teaching aid of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the golf teaching aid of FIG. 4 in a folded configuration for storage;

FIG. 6 is a further top view of the golf teaching aid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the golf teaching aid of FIG. 1 in a folded position for practising putter head and club alignment for curved or a putting;

FIG. 8 is a partial top view of the golf teaching aid of FIG. 7 showing the curved putting guide removed for a left-handed golfer to practice straight putting;

FIG. 9 is a top view of the golf teaching aid of FIG. 8 showing the use of the long club alignment and positioning of the shoulders and feet of a left-handed golfer relative to the target alignment bar;

FIG. 10 is a top view of the golfer teaching aid of FIG. 9 showing use of the short club alignment bar and alignment of the feet of a left-handed golfer relative to the target alignment bar and putter alignment bar; and

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the golfer teaching aid of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

It will be understood like reference numerals designate like parts in the accompanying drawings.

The golf teaching aid illustrated in the drawings can be formed from any suitable plastics material such as high density polyethylene (HDPE), and comprises a central body in the form of a cross-shaped central housing unit 1. Target alignment means consisting of a flat, target alignment bar 2 extends horizontally through the centre of the central housing unit 1. In use, the golf teaching aid is positioned flatly on the ground with the target alignment bar 2 aligned to the desired direction of travel of the golf ball.

The target alignment bar is secured in place by end plugs 6 and 7 of the central housing unit and is provided with guide markings 33 and 34 spaced apart from one another at regular intervals along the bar (see FIG. 1). The guide markings 33 and 34 are used for hand and golf club alignment. At each end of the target alignment bar 2 there are apertures 27 and 28 (see for instance FIG. 5) through which a golf tee or pin can respectively be inserted to secure the target alignment bar and thereby the golf teaching aid to the ground in the desired position. The target alignment bar is slidably received by the central housing 1 and incorporates a pivot pin 37 permitting folding of the bar for storage as indicated in FIG. 6 which shows the target alignment bar slid to the right of the central housing unit 1.

The central housing unit includes attachment means in the form of a short, flat attachment bar 3 which extends through the centre of the central housing unit 1 substantially at a right to the target alignment bar 2. The attachment bar 3 is secured in place by the central housing unit end plugs 8 and 9, and provides a support for the putting alignment bar 12 and the club alignment bars 10 and 11.

A pin 5 secures the putting alignment bar 12 to the attachment bar 3 (see FIG. 7), and permits this bar to pivot sidewardly through an arc greater than 180°. The putting alignment bar has an end cap 22 protecting the bar against damage. Spaced apart markings 14 and 15 are also provided on the upper surface of the putting alignment bar 12 (see FIG. 8). These markings are used to align the putter face 35 with the front of the golf ball 30 for left-handed and right-handed players respectively when practising straight putting. When used to practice putting, the putting alignment bar is pivoted about pin 5 to a position substantially parallel with the target alignment bar 2 as illustrated in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8.

As further shown in FIG. 7, a curved putting guide 13 is detachably mounted to the putting alignment bar 12 by clips 18 to 21 such that the guide 13 extends alongside that alignment bar, and is used for practising arced (curved) putting strokes. Spaced apart guide markings 16 and 17 are also provided along the upper surface of the curved putting guide for aligning the putter face 35 and the front of the ball 30 when practising arced putting (see FIG. 7). The curved putting guide can be removed and reattached to the putting alignment bar 12 so as to be orientated to the opposite side of the bar enabling use by either left or right-handed golfers as required.

Depending on what type of golf stroke is being practised, the golfer aligns their front or back foot 32 and their shoulders with the putting alignment bar 12 substantially square to the target alignment bar 1 (see FIG. 9).

The flat, long club alignment bar 10 is connected to the attachment bar 3 by a pin 4 which permits pivoting of the bar 10 through an arc greater than 180° as also shown in FIG. 9. The long club alignment bar 10 is used for practising with long irons or woods, and is also provided with an end cap 24 for protecting this bar against damage if inadvertently struck by the golf club. A flat, curved swing guide 26 projects from the end cap and curves to one side of the long club alignment bar. In the embodiment shown, the swing guide 26 is oriented to the right and hence is arranged for use by a left-handed golfer. However, the swing guide is adapted to be removed, turned over and reinserted into the end cap 24 so as to be oriented to the left for use by a right-handed golfer. The swing guide 26 helps a player to visualize the swing line for their hands and club face when practising with long irons or woods. In use, the club face 29 and the front of the ball 30 are aligned with the long club alignment bar 10 substantially square to the target alignment bar 2.

The flat, short club alignment bar 11 is also pivotally connected to the attachment bar 3 by the pin 4 and overlies the long club alignment bar 10 (eg., see FIG. 11). The short club alignment bar 11 is used for practising with short to mid-range irons. Again, this bar is provided with an end cap 23 which protects the bar if inadvertently struck by the golf club during use and can be pivoted about the pin 4 through an arc of greater than 180°.

A flat, curved swing guide 25 also projects out of end cap 23 of the short club alignment bar (see FIG. 10 and FIG. 11). As will also be understood, the swing guide bar helps the golf player to visualize the swing line for their hands and golf club when practising with short to mid-range irons. To facilitate use by right of left-handed golfers, the swing guide can be oriented to the right or left as for swing guide 26 of the long club alignment guide. In use, the golf club head 36 and the front of the ball 30 are aligned with the short club alignment bar 11 substantially square to the target alignment bar 2.

As can be seen in FIG. 9 and FIG. 10, when using long club alignment bar 10 or short club alignment bar 11, the putting alignment bar is oriented in its straight position in alignment with the long club alignment bar or short club alignment bar as the case may be. In this position, the golfer can use the putting alignment bar to assist alignment/positioning of their feet to assume the correct stance for the golf stroke. For example, for a left-handed golfer using the lone club alignment bar as illustrated, the golfer's inside heel of his or her right foot is located adjacent the putting alignment bar relative to the club head. When practicing with “short” clubs the long club alignment bar is pivoted out of the way and the inside heel of the golfer's left foot is aligned adjacent to the putting alignment bar. Hence, the putting alignment bar serves the dual purpose of enabling the golfer to practice putting stroked and as a guide for alignment/positioning of the golfers feet when practicing golf strokes with long or short clubs.

In addition, embodiments of golf teaching aids as described herein can be used to practice difficult golf strokes as may be required in hazard areas of a golf course. For example, the golfer can adjust their stance with reference to the putting alignment bar and target alignment bar so as to be in an offset position as may be necessary. If needed or desirable, the long club alignment bar 10 or short club alignment bar can also be pivoted relative to the target alignment bar, and the curved swing guide 25 or 26 used to visualize hand swing line and/or path of travel in such instances.

Both the long and short alignment bars 10 and 11 will pivot sidewardly out of the way if struck by a golf club to minimise damage to the club face or injury to the golfer. Moreover, the illustrated embodiment when used correctly does not inhibit the golf player's “take away”, down swing and follow through with the golf club.

It will be understood by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. 

1. A golf teaching aid, comprising: a central body; elongate target alignment means projecting from the central body; a putting alignment bar connected to one side of the central body; a curved putting guide mounted to the pulling alignment bar to extend alongside the putting alignment bar; and one or more club alignment bars connected to an opposite side of the central body in alignment with the putting alignment bar substantially at a right angle to the target alignment means, at least one of the club alignment bars having a curved swing guide extending from an outer end distal from the central body.
 2. A golf teaching aid according to claim 1 wherein at least one of the putting alignment bar and the club alignment bars are respectively pivotable sidewardly.
 3. A teaching aid according to claim 2 comprising long and short said club alignment means, the long club alignment member and the short club alignment member being independently pivotable relative to one another.
 4. A teaching aid according to claim 2 wherein the putting alignment bar is pivotable relative to the target alignment means
 5. A golf teaching aid according to claim 1 wherein the target alignment means projects from opposite further sides of the central body.
 6. A golf teaching aid according to claim 5 wherein the target alignment means comprise an elongate member extending through the central body.
 7. A golf teaching aid according to claim 1 wherein the central body includes elongate attachment means to which the putting alignment bar and the one or more club alignment bars are mounted.
 8. A golf teaching aid according to 7 wherein the central body is a cross-shaped housing unit receiving the attachment means, the attachment means being an attachment bar disposed substantially perpendicularly to the target alignment means.
 9. A golf teaching aid according to claim 1 wherein the curved putting guide is adapted for being selectively orientated to one side of the putting alignment bar or to an opposite side of the putting alignment guide.
 10. A golf teaching aid according to claim 1 wherein the curved swing guide is adapted for being selectively oriented to one side of the corresponding said club alignment bar or to an opposite side of the club alignment bar.
 11. A golf teaching aid, comprising: a central body; elongate target alignment means projecting from the central body; a putting alignment bar connected to one side of the central body; and one or more club alignment bars connected to an opposite side of the central body in alignment with the putting alignment bar, at least one of the putting alignment bar and the club alignment bars being respectively pivotable sidewardly from a position substantially at a right angle relative to the target alignment means.
 12. A teaching aid according to claim 11 comprising long and short said club alignment means, the long club alignment member and the short club alignment member being independently pivotable relative to one another.
 13. A teaching aid according to claim 11 wherein the putting alignment bar is pivotable relative to the target alignment means.
 14. A golf teaching aid according to claim 11 wherein the target alignment means comprises an elongate bar projecting from opposite further sides of the central body.
 15. A golf teaching aid according to claim 11 wherein the central body incorporates elongate attachment means to which the putting alignment bar and the one or more club alignment bars are mounted.
 16. A golf teaching aid, comprising: a central body; elongate target alignment means projecting from the central body; a putting alignment bar connected to one side of the central body; a curved putting guide mounted to the putting alignment bar to extend alongside the putting alignment bar; and one or more club alignment bars connected to an opposite side of the central body in alignment with the putting alignment bar substantially at a right angle to the target alignment means.
 17. A golf teaching aid according to claim 16 wherein the curved putting guide is adapted for being selectively orientated to face right or left relative to the putting alignment bar.
 18. A golf teaching aid according to claim 16 wherein at least one of the putting alignment bar and the club alignment bars are respectively pivotable sidewardly.
 19. A teaching aid according to claim 18 comprising long and short said club alignment means, the long club alignment member and the short club alignment member being independently pivotable relative to one another.
 20. A teaching aid according to claim 18 wherein the putting alignment bar is pivotable relative to the target alignment means.
 21. A golf teaching aid according to claim 16 wherein the target alignment means comprises an elongate bar projecting from opposite further sides of the central body.
 22. A golf teaching aid according to claim 16 wherein the central body incorporates elongate attachment means to which the putting alignment bar and the one or more club alignment bars are mounted.
 23. A golf teaching aid, comprising: a central body; target alignment means projecting from the central body; a putting alignment bar connected to one side of the central body; and one or more club alignment bars connected to an opposite side of the central body in alignment with the putting alignment bar substantially at a right angle to the target alignment means, at least one of the club alignment bars having a curved swing guide extending from an outer end distal from the central body.
 24. A golf teaching aid according to claim 23 wherein the curved swing guide can be selectively oriented to one side of the corresponding said club alignment bar or to an opposite side of the club alignment bar.
 25. A gold teaching aid according to claim 23 wherein at least one of the putting alignment bar and the club alignment bars are respectively pivotable sidewardly.
 26. A teaching aid according to claim 25 comprising long and short said club alignment means, the long club alignment member and the short club alignment member being independently pivotable relative to one another.
 27. A teaching aid according to claim 25 wherein the putting alignment bar is pivotable relative to the target alignment means.
 28. A golf teaching aid according to claim 23 wherein the target alignment means comprises an elongate bar projecting from opposite further sides of the central body.
 29. A golf teaching aid according to claim 23 wherein the central body incorporates elongate attachment means to which the putting alignment bar and the one or more club alignment bars are mounted. 